The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Hank casually signaled the waiter with a subtle gesture, hoping to slip in and pay for Mary's meal. Just then, Mary said to the cashier, "I guess I'll skip the burger then." The cashier nodded, "Sure thing."

Mary paid, took her receipt, and sat down to wait, her heart light with joy.

Hank's gaze never left Mary. The waiter approached, asking, "Sir, what can I get for you?"

The waiter was puzzled; he had been beckoned over but wasn't given an order.

Mary's attention was caught by the waiter's voice, and she glanced instinctively toward Hank.

Hank wore a face mask, but Mary recognized him in an instant.

That was her dad. Even behind a mask, she'd know him anywhere.

Mary was in disbelief. Since she and her mom moved to the new place, her dad hadn't come to visit.

Her grandma had told her about the divorce, warning her not to mention her father in front of her mom. Mary was obedient; she never asked.

Now, months later, seeing her dad again stirred a mix of happiness and disbelief in her.

Father and daughter locked eyes, Hank fearful of being recognized and equally afraid of not being.

The cashier's reminder broke the moment, "Kid, your order's ready to go."

Mary stood up to get her food. She didn't greet Hank, pretended not to recognize him, and walked towards the stairs with her takeaway.

At the top of the stairs, she couldn't help but look back, then continued down.

That one look from Mary made Hank's heart ache, his chest tight with emotion.

Mary used to rely on him so much, and now, though she was close enough to touch, he would not hear her call him 'Dad' again.

Tears welled up in Mary's eyes as she descended the stairs, but she held them back.

She paused at the stairwell to collect herself before carrying her burger and fries to find her mother, Susan.

In front of Susan, Mary was still the cheerful little girl.

"Mom, I got you some hot cocoa. Have a sip, and here's your burger. I'll just have the fries and soda."

Susan smiled, "I'll stick to the cocoa, sweetheart. The rest is all yours. Just don't mention it to Grandma, okay? She'd be upset if she knew." Grandma Rose had a rule against eating fast food.

Mary's eyes twinkled, "Got it, it's our little secret."

As Mary happily munched on her fries, she didn't mention seeing her dad.

On the other side of the diner, Hank had already left his spot by the window.

Mary felt a pang of regret for not greeting him.

After Hank had gone, it wasn't long before Jason showed up to see Susan. Susan, anxious, asked, "Any news?"

Jason had been discreetly investigating the Anita Clark case for months without any leads.

"I've got nothing yet. Just passing through and wanted to check if you were still here. It's getting late, isn't Mary in school tomorrow?"

"We'll pack up soon," replied Susan, her voice tinged with disappointment.

Julie was pregnant and untouchable, and without concrete evidence or motive, mere suspicion wasn't enough to act on. Mary sweetly called out, "Uncle Jason!"

He responded with a warm hum, "I'll help you pack up and give you a lift home."

Jason often came around to lend a hand to Susan, flying the flag of community service.

With Jason around, neither the city inspectors nor local troublemakers dared to hassle Susan.

...

Hank drove back to Southridge Estates.noveldrama

Ever since he was discharged from the hospital, he hadn't returned to Salstrom Manor.

To him, this was home.

Pulling into the driveway, Hank was about to head inside when a familiar voice called out. "Mr. Salstrom, you're back."